Some people build a career by following trends.
Others build one by staying true to who they are.
This week’s guest, DJ Malike of Curate Entertainment, is firmly in the second camp.
From performing at FIFA Fan Fest in Miami and New York Bridal Fashion Week to speaking on the main stage at Engage and being recognized by BizBash, Malike has become one of the most recognizable DJs in the event industry. But as you’ll hear in this conversation, those opportunities weren’t built on chasing attention. They came from showing up authentically every single time.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is how Malike defines joy.
Unlike happiness, which often depends on what’s happening around us, he believes joy is a choice. It’s something we practice through gratitude, acceptance, and serving others. Even when things don’t go according to plan.
We also dive into what it meant to become the first DJ to speak on Engage’s main stage, why setting goals with real deadlines creates momentum, and how BizBash’s recognition reflects a much bigger shift in our industry.
For Malike, DJs aren’t just there to play music anymore. They’re becoming cultural leaders who can be polished enough for luxury events while still bringing the energy and creativity of club culture. As he puts it, you have to know the rules before you can break them.
Malike shares why pricing isn’t simply about your service; it’s about the value people believe they’ll receive. Scarcity, confidence, emotional intelligence, and the experience you create all shape that perception.
And when it comes to online criticism? His answer is refreshingly simple.
He refuses to water down his personality or cultural expression just to make everyone comfortable. Authenticity has been one of the biggest reasons people hire him, and it’s not something he’s willing to compromise.
Whether you’re a DJ, planner, photographer, or any kind of event professional, this episode is a reminder that your greatest competitive advantage isn’t trying to look like everyone else. It’s having the confidence to fully become yourself.
Enjoy!
00:00 Rules and Innovation
00:19 Meet DJ Malik
01:15 Authenticity and Joy
02:38 Defining Joy
04:35 FIFA Setback Story
08:29 Choosing Joy Daily
10:19 Engage Main Stage First
11:36 Why Malike Was Chosen
14:05 Who Malike Really Is
16:26 Goals and Manifestation
19:30 BizBash Recognition
20:01 DJ Industry Bubble
20:41 Conference Famous Trap
21:35 Giving Flowers Publicly
22:14 Culturally Relevant DJs
24:45 Bridging Two Worlds
26:19 Know Rules Break Rules
27:44 Reading The Audience
29:41 Raising Rates Perception
32:54 Best Work Scarcity
36:54 Heat Over Style
37:48 Culture Loud Luxury
42:16 Final Mic Drop
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